French food safety authorities have extended their nationwide cheese recall, adding seven more products to the list of contaminated dairy items that sparked a mass withdrawal from supermarket shelves earlier last week.
The latest recalls unannounced between 13th and 14th August on the official Rappel Conso website follow Monday’s extensive action that saw dozens of cheese varieties pulled from major retailers across France due to bacterial contamination fears.
The new additions include both Listeria monocytogenes and E.coli STEC contaminated products, affecting brands sold in mainstream supermarkets including Carrefour and Metro.
Listeria contaminated additions
The Listeria contamination affects three distinct products. CESAR LOSFELD’s Chèvre Buche Barquette (175g) has been recalled with all products bearing expiry dates up to and including 12th August. The goat’s cheese, distributed by Normandie Service Frais, was sold nationwide from 19th June. PAMA’s Fromage Stracciatella, sold loose at the specialist Epicerie Magazzino in Creutzwald and surrounding areas, affects two specific batches with July expiry dates. Meanwhile, DUC DE LOIRE’s Ovale 300g, distributed through Metro stores, covers all products with minimum durability dates up to 12th August.
E.coli contamination hits Chavignol varieties
Several Crottin de Chavignol varieties have been recalled due to suspected E.coli STEC O145 contamination. These include Filière Qualité Carrefour’s Chavignol fermier AOP, sold at cheese counters nationwide between 1st-13th August, and Dubois-Boulay branded Crottin de Chavignol products with various lot numbers. An unbranded Crottin de Chavignol Fermier sold through Carrefour has also been affected, alongside Pasdeloup’s Crottin de Chavignol distributed by SAS Buisson.
All affected Chavignol products originated from the same production facility and were commercialised during the first two weeks of August.
Health warnings intensify
The E.coli contamination carries particularly serious health risks. Authorities warn that Escherichia coli shiga toxinogène (STEC) can cause bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, and vomiting within a week of consumption. In 5-8% of cases, serious kidney complications may develop, particularly affecting children.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the recalled products should consult their general practitioner immediately, noting the exact product and purchase details.
For Listeria contamination, the incubation period can extend up to eight weeks, with symptoms including fever, headaches, and muscle aches. Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems face heightened risks of severe complications.
Consumer action required
Shoppers are urged to check their fridges immediately and dispose of any affected products. All recalled items can be returned to the point of purchase for a full refund, regardless of whether a receipt is available.
The recalls remain active until late August and September, with some extending into October, as authorities work to trace the contamination sources across multiple production facilities.
See also:
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Main photo credit: Alexander Maasch on Unsplash